7 Pregnancy Complications and How to Manage Them

Welcoming a baby is an exciting journey, but it’s also a time to be extra mindful of your health. It's important to know the difference between common discomforts and signs of pregnancy complications.

Nausea and mild swelling are often regular side effects of pregnancy, but when these symptoms become severe or appear with other red flags, they could point to a more serious issue. Whether the complication stems from a prior condition or develops during your pregnancy, the approach is the same: catch it early and treat it properly.

This guide will help you identify and address seven complications during pregnancy
to ensure you and your little one stay healthy.

1. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)

If your morning sickness is severe, it may be hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition of extreme, persistent vomiting that leads to weight loss and dehydration. While the exact cause is unknown, doctors believe it's a reaction to the surge of pregnancy hormones. Tell your ob-gyn if you’re vomiting constantly, losing weight, or showing signs of dehydration like dark urine or dizziness.

Your doctor may prescribe pregnancy-safe anti-nausea medication. They may also ask you to go to the hospital for IV fluids to restore hydration and nutrition.

2. Preeclampsia

This serious condition develops after 20 weeks and is characterized by high blood pressure (≥140/90 mm Hg) and elevated levels of protein in urine (proteinuria). Preeclampsia begins with problems in the development of the placenta. Watch out for the following signs:

• Severe headaches
• Changes in vision
• Pain in your upper abdomen
• Sudden swelling in your hands and face

Recent studies show it affects up to 6.3% of pregnancies in the Philippines. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), managing this condition requires close monitoring for both you and your baby, as delivery is the only cure.

3. Gestational diabetes

Managing gestational diabetes at home often involves regular blood sugar monitoring, a healthy diet, and consistent exercise.

This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy when your body can't produce enough insulin to handle the increased glucose in your blood, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Often, there are no noticeable symptoms, so doctors usually discover gestational diabetes during routine screening tests. In some cases, you may notice increased thirst or more frequent urination.

A 2014 study in the ASEAN Journal of Endocrinology found a 14% prevalence in the Philippines, so screening is crucial to avoid gestational diabetes complications. To control your blood sugar, you'll need to monitor it at home, follow a healthy eating plan, and get regular physical activity. Don't miss your prenatal checkups and always follow your doctor's instructions on diet and exercise.

4. Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA)

Your body needs extra iron during pregnancy to make more blood for your baby. If you don't get enough, you can develop iron-deficiency anemia. Watch for the most common signs of this condition, including: 

• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness

Based on the 2018-2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey, 23% (nearly one in four) of pregnant women suffer from IDA.

You can reduce the risk of IDA and any other complications of anemia by eating more iron-rich foods based on the Philippine Dietary Reference Intake for pregnant women. Your doctor may also prescribe an iron supplement. Ensure you meet all your nutrient needs with this guide on what to eat when pregnant.

5. Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP)

This liver condition can develop in late pregnancy, causing bile acids to build up in your blood. Its main symptom is intense itching (without a rash), particularly on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, that becomes worse at night. Your risk for ICP is higher if you have one or more of the following factors:

• A personal or family history of ICP
• A pre-existing liver or gallbladder condition
• Carrying multiples
• Advanced maternal age

Your doctor will likely order blood tests to confirm if you have ICP. If you have this pregnancy complication, your doctor will monitor your bile acids and may schedule your delivery a few weeks early to minimize risks.

6. Placenta previa

Placenta previa occurs when the fertilized egg implants low in the uterus, causing the placenta to partially or fully cover your cervix. Its main sign is sudden, painless, bright red vaginal bleeding during the second half of your pregnancy.

Your doctor will plan your treatment based on the amount of bleeding, your baby’s gestational age, and the placenta’s exact position. If the condition doesn't resolve on its own, a C-section delivery is often necessary.

7. Preterm labor

Preterm labor is when you start having regular contractions that cause your cervix to open before 37 weeks of pregnancy. It can be triggered by various factors, like an infection or carrying multiple fetuses, although the specific cause is unknown. Warning signs include:

• Contractions every 10 minutes (or closer)
• A change in vaginal discharge
• Strong pelvic pressure
• A persistent, dull backache

Your doctor may recommend bed rest when you have preterm labor. According to WHO, about 1 in 10 babies worldwide is born preterm, and a 2022 study in The Lancet Regional Health found that 13.2% of births in the country are preterm.

Navigating a High-Risk Pregnancy

If you develop any of the complications listed above, your doctor will now consider your pregnancy to be high-risk. So, you and your baby will get extra attention and monitoring to ensure the best possible outcome.

Understand your prenatal care plan

Once your pregnancy is high-risk, your prenatal care plan will change. Expect more frequent doctor's visits, additional ultrasounds, and specialized tests to monitor your health and your baby's.

Rely on your support team

A strong support system, including your partner, family, and friends, is crucial for navigating the emotional and physical challenges of pregnancy.

Managing a high-risk pregnancy requires a strong support system. Lean on your medical team, which may now include a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist. Ask them your questions or share your concerns, no matter how small they seem.

Just as important is your emotional support. Lean on your partner, trusted family, and friends to help you process new information and handle the stress that comes with extra monitoring and appointments.

Know when to go to the hospital

It’s always better to be cautious if something doesn't feel right. Go to the hospital immediately if you experience:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain or cramps
• A significant decrease in your baby's movement
• Severe headache or blurred vision
• Your water breaking

Staying Healthy During Pregnancy

You can manage many pregnancy complications by taking proactive steps. This includes attending all your prenatal appointments, following your doctor's advice, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to ensure a safe journey through your first, second, and third trimesters.

Head to the ParentTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group and share your concerns or tips on managing pregnancy complications. Together, you can support each other through this beautiful and sometimes challenging time.